Golf captures all ages

By METTE PEDERSEN

MARIETTA, Ga. –

This cap represents Rickie Fowler, 26, from Murrieta, California, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, world No. 5, and a big idol for many young golfers, who want to be like him one day. The children like Fowler for his fancy orange Puma outfit, the caps he wears and for his attitude. You will often see a lot of “junior Fowlers” on the golf courses. Photo by Mette PedersenAt the Marietta Golf and Country Club, junior golfers start early and are taught the basics of golf. Every Saturday at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the club has a junior camp. Here, coach Graham Thatcher explains what to be aware of when hitting a driver. Photo by Mette PedersenAt the junior camp, Graham Thatcher and Mike Berning teach the children how to hit the ball in the direction they want the ball to go. Thatcher shows how to align their stance and club in the direction they want to hit the ball, using lines made out of baby powder. Photo by Mette PedersenAfter Thatcher has shown the children the techniques, they go to their stations and practice what they have just learned. While the coaches walk around, correct, teach, and improve the children’s golf swings. Some of the parents and grandparents stay during the camp and watch their children improve their golf skills. Photo by Mette PedersenDuring the practice, there is time for one-on-one coaching, development, and improvement of swing techniques. Here Ket Preamchuen, Kennesaw State Women’s Golf assistant coach, is looking at one of the children’s swing and giving advice. Photo by Mette PedersenAfter about every 20 minutes, the coaches gather the children together to teach and start a new drill for the children to take to their stations and apply afterward. The children watch Preamchuen, hit a driver. She shows them how to aim, set up to, and hit the ball. Photo by Mette PedersenAfter getting a new drill to apply, they go to their stations and hit some more balls. They try to hit the ball longer and straighter every time and apply the new drill taught by the coaches. Thatcher shows one of the children how to swing a little wider in the back swing. Photo by Mette Pedersen“Has anyone seen ‘Happy Gilmore’?” Thatcher asks the children at the last gathering. Now it’s time for some fun and a competition. Thatcher challenges the junior golfers to who can hit the best ‘Happy Gillmore’ (running to the ball and hitting) shot. Photo by Mette PedersenAfter an hour and a half, there is still good energy among the children. They are concentrating, hitting after targets, and hitting drivers. Maybe one day, one of these children will be the next Rickie Fowler. Photo by Mette Pedersen